1997 Dodge Neon Highline from North America - Comments

11th Jul 2001, 13:43

Even though you do have to replace the head gasket, you're still spending less money on the car than any imported car in its class. Especially if you can get Chrysler to eat much of the bill as I have heard that many others have done. As for the brakes, the car is just a compact car, just a Neon, not a Cadillac. Just deal with it, and don't count Dodge out because of the first generation neon. The newer neons, as well as the whole line-up, are much more refined and much better than older Dodges.

1st Oct 2001, 08:32

I just replaced my head gasket and my mechanic told me that this is a very common problem in Neons. Well if it is a common problem then why aren't the Manufacturers reimbursing the owners for their mistakes??? I am looking for an email address so that I may voice my opinion about this problem, so that I may get compensated for this outrageous bill.

28th Feb 2002, 21:20

If you would like to contact Chrysler, the best way is through the Customer One number, 1-800-992-1997. Make sure to be really upset, and make it a point to mention you KNOW about the warranty to replace the head gasket, and that a known problem like this should have been a recall, and most importantly, that you will NEVER buy any of their products again. Before you call, take time out to check out Lemon-Aid as well, the site offers tips on dealing with this sort of situation.

15th Jul 2002, 13:40

A real problem!!! Purchased the 1997 Neon used. Now replacing head gasket for second time in less than a year. You better believe I am going to contact Chrysler about this one. I agree if they know it's a problem why did they not fix it and recall them.

19th Jul 2002, 22:59

I have a 95 Dodge Neon and I just finished replacing the head gasket for the 2nd time. Canadian Tire charged me $1300 to replace it and included a new timing belt and reconditioned water pump. The head wasn't planed because they said it couldn't be done twice, but they said it appeared level. The Dodge dealer did it the first time. I won't take this car on any trips that are any distance because I don't trust the damn thing. Now, I think I watch the heat gauge more than the road to make sure the bloody thing isn't overheating. If it happens again, do you think if I call the Chrysler 1-800 # they'll give me a break?

24th Jul 2002, 12:24

My 1998 Neon has just a little over 52,000 miles on it. The head gaskets blew and now I am facing a $5,000 bill for a completely new engine. I am due to get married in just 10 days, and this means I will not be going on my honey moon. Yes, I have contacted Chrysler/Dodge, they basically told me to go fly a kite. I am at wits end, I still owe $6,000, anyone have any suggestions at all?? Of course, I will Never, Never buy a Dodge/Chrysler product again as long as I live!!

27th Jul 2002, 21:02

I bought a 1995 base Neon (1600 $US) with about 100 000 miles, and I never had problem except for the scratches on windows. I have NO rust at all. Of course things have been changed, but nothing about the engine, and trust me, that the car has been hard driven!!

I heard about the head gasket problem, and it seems to not be the gasket, but just the bolt of the fourth cylinder. www.allpar.com/mopar/2.html for more info.

31st Jul 2002, 18:40

I have a 1996 Dodge Neon, and it is the biggest piece of junk I have ever bought. Teenagers beware, don't buy because of the mirage of fuel efficency and cheap cost!! I wish I had looked into these facts before wasting so much money!!! Never again will I buy a dodge!

30th Sep 2002, 15:43

I bought our 1997 Plymouth Neon used, less than a year old. In 1999 I had to have the head gasket replaced (around 40,000 or less miles). Fortunately the car was under warranty. The brakes are a continual problem with noise. A transmission gasket leaked at around 65,000 miles and I had to have that replaced. Fortunately I caught it in time and it did no transmission damage. The car has burned and/or leaked a lot of oil ever since the head gasket was replaced. Now with another 40,000 or so miles on it, the engine is acting up severely again. It's acting like another blown head gasket. There is a fan that seems to be making a lot of noise and the idiot lights are flashing occasionally. I'm researching what that problem could be. The car has been basically pretty dependable, but if I have to have another head gasket replaced, the repair cost won't be covered since it's now out of warranty. The car has also required 2 new batteries (the 2nd new battery installed less than a year after the 1st was replaced). I read that there is an electrical problem caused by some unit in the car that is known to be defective. It's an outrage that Chrysler lets consumers bear the cost of their blunder. If anyone has any helpful comments, I'd be glad to hear them.

1st Oct 2002, 17:28

My Dodge Neon 1997 is in the shop now having it's head gasket replaced. (~40k miles)... should never happen. I'll never buy another Chrysler product (2 Neons and one Dodge Caravan down) again or an American car for that matter. Patriotism is good, but there is a point.

5th Oct 2002, 18:22

I have replaced the heater core, twice. The heater cores were not "after-market" yet so it was like 1200 bucks to have it replaced.

I have also replaced the Head Gasket, twice.

The concept of a cast iron block and an aluminum head baffles me, but it's common. That's why I believe the gasket keeps blowing the thing warps every time the engine heats up.

My suggestion if you have this problem. Invest in the oil coolant system, and add engine ice to your engine coolant these two items coupled together will give you more horsepower, but more importantly will keep the engine cooler. It's also important to discipline yourself to drive like a grandma. Unless you have a lot of money to spend on repairs drive slow, it is after all a disposable car.

Keep your hopes up and fix it yourself, you'll save money and it's not that hard. Just follow the instructions in the book. It took me 8 full hours and 200 bucks out the door to do the head gasket.

Best advice of all, DO NOT BUY A PRE 2000 NEON!!! IF YOU HAVE ONE TRADE IT IN OR SELL IT NOW!!!